Panaji (GOA): Congress veteran leader Eduardo Faleiro on Friday urged people not to use religion as an excuse to interfere in once eating habits, while adding that beef eaters are not just from minority communities but also contribute large section of Hindus.

Responding to a question on the ongoing controversies over beef ban, Faleiro said religion cannot be a force or a base to divide people on their eating habits. “If we go to see, beef is eaten by all people across religion. I know many Hindus who eat beef,” he said.

“Religion should not be used as a base to divide people. Religion is a force that unites people. Every religion has same preaching, same principles taught to their followers. Hence, I dont see any difference,”former Union Minister for State for External Affairs, said.

Faleiro commented that there are many who consider beef as not a good meal for health but despite that people consume it in large. “Leave it to the people to decide, what is good and what is bad for them. No one can be a dictator,” he stated.

Congress senior leader, while welcoming Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar’s decision to introduce value education in the school curriculum, has demanded that it should be strictly in conformity with secular values.

Meanwhile, the Faleiro has raised strong objection to government’s intention of allowing Baba Ramdev to schools for setting up Yoga classes. “Introduction of Yoga in schools is a very good initiative but Baba Ramdev should not be allowed access to schools for his sectarian approach,” he said.

Team TNV